How to Satisfactorily Shop for Your Car Accessories

March 2, 2021 Leave a Comment

After purchasing your car, you will want to modify or maintain it to ensure it serves its purpose for a long time. One of the things you’ll keep doing is buying accessories. Some of the accessories improve the car’s functionality and performance, while others are just for beauty purposes. It all depends on your needs, type of car, and preferences. As you’ve probably realized, there are thousands of car accessories, all of which promise to improve function and style. How do you choose the best?

Photo Credit Maria Geller from Pexels

Understand your Needs and Preferences

It gets easier choosing car accessories when you understand your needs and preferences. Do you want to boost your car’s performance, function or make it more stylish? Also, it’s essential to understand your vehicle well. Are the accessories compatible with the car’s make and model? For instance, when looking for 4×4 rims, ensure they fit with your car’s measurements. Each vehicle has a unique fit of rims’ measurements; therefore, get the correct sizes first. 

If you are not sure about an accessory’s size or function, talk to an expert before buying. It will save you money, frustrations and time.

Understand the Accessories’ Functions

Suppose you want to enhance the safety features of your car. In that case, you’ll probably be looking for accessories that serve that purpose, while someone who wants to expand the storage unit to accommodate more luggage will be looking for storage accessories such as rooftop carriers and storage compartments. Each addition has its unique function, and when you understand this, you’ll make a more informed choice. Also, each accessory is manufactured with a particular car model in mind. Make sure to check the products that are compatible with your car type.

Choose the Right Dealer

The trickiest apart when buying any accessory is knowing who to buy from, especially if it’s your first time. There are many car accessory dealers with online and physical stores, but not all are authentic. Don’t jump into a deal just because a seller offers attractive prices. Do the background check, compare products, ask as many questions as you can and most importantly, ensure they are licensed to sell the products. 

Don’t just buy from a random store but check the credibility of a dealer. Do they have a physical location? How many such products have they sold in the past? Do they have a large and happy following? If you buy from a local store, it gets easier, but you shouldn’t limit your choice to locally available products. You might have a limited variety compared to online shopping. 

When shopping online, you have to be more careful. It’s easier to lose your money in an online sale than when buying from your local car dealership. However, you get the best deals, varieties and services online. Before sending the money or completing a sale, check the company’s reputation. Also, check if they have a return policy, their shipment terms, cost and duration.

Agree on the course of action if the product doesn’t fit your car, is damaged, or not what you ordered. However, even when you have been careful and have proper measures in place, a dishonest dealer may not honor their part of the bargain after you send the money. Check the online reviews of past customers and if there are too many complaints, choose another seller. 

Also, check how long it will take before you receive the product. If you live near the dealer, the shipment may take a few hours, while you might have to wait longer to receive an international order. It also helps to make sure the product is in stock before paying. You don’t want to wait as the supplier replenishes the dealer’s supply for the shipment to be processed. 

Don’t Compromise on Safety

Always prioritize safety over beauty or class. Avoid accessories that compromise your car’s security, however stylish or classy they look. A slight mistake can cause safety concerns to your car occupants. Always ensure your vehicle’s safety features are in top shape before adding any other accessories.  Also, ensure the car accessories fulfil the set safety standards. 

Quality Products

It’s essential to go for car accessories that are compatible with your vehicle model and type but most importantly, make sure they are genuine, tried and tested products. How do you know a product is authentic? With many brands and dealers in the market, it’s easy to fall into the hands of fraudulent dealers. 

Only buy manufacturer-backed products and check the trademarks. Also, most manufacturers have their dealers in every region. 

The Price

You might want flashy new rims or other classy accessories, but how much you can afford at the moment will determine the type of accessories to buy. Even when your budget is low, don’t go for cheap accessories because most tend to be low quality. It’s better to save or budget for the product and acquire a satisfactory quality product. However, some shops offer quality products at competitive prices. Spending more time comparing the prices will help you get a good deal.

On the same note, check the mode of payment the store prefers. Do you have to pay for the goods before delivery or after? If you have the option of first trying the accessory then paying later, it’s a better deal but if your preferred store doesn’t have this option, ensure you agree on the terms of return if the accessory doesn’t fit well. 

What if You Don’t Know the Right Accessories for Your Car?

If it’s your first time to buy car accessories, talk to your car dealer or a trusted car expert. Explain what you want to achieve, your needs and preferences. Car dealers have a broader knowledge of various car products and can help you make an informed decision.

 For an even better deal, talk to your specific car model dealer or expert. If you want to buy rims for your 4-wheel drive, look for someone who knows four-wheel-drive cars. They should know the right accessories and even guide you on how to buy them. 

As you spend more time studying various car accessories, you’ll understand their unique functions, making it easier to choose the most appropriate one.

Filed Under: Vehicle Tagged With: , , ,

The Complete Guide on How to Choose the Perfect RC Car

December 2, 2020 Leave a Comment

rc monster truck model with wheels in air

If there one thing we know for sure, it is that RC cars are no longer just for kids. The RC car market has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by a surging fanbase and RC cars that can drive at hundreds of miles per hour across a wide range of terrains.

If you are in the market for fast RC cars in 2020, we have got you covered. Read on to find out everything you need to know about buying your first RC car.

1. Know Your RC Car Brands

The first thing you need to know about RC cars is that there are a lot of brands. Your best bet is to stick with the most well-known brands that have a strong reputation for quality.

As these RC cars show, the top brands are Redcat, Hosim, TOZO, and Traxxas RC cars. Each of these has its own unique advantages when it comes to features, quality, and cost, so make sure to conduct thorough research before buying.

2. Different Types of RC Cars

There are several different types of RC cars that you can choose from. These include:

Street Cars

Streetcars are your average RC cars that are ideal for use in suburban and home environments. They work best on flat surfaces and do not generate much noise. However, these cars tend to have less power.

Drift Cars

RC drift cars are ideal for urban racers who want something that is truly fast and furious. These RC cars are equipped with drift tires, allowing for fast and hard turns around tricky corners. This is ideal for competitive racers.

Off-Road

Offroad gas-powered RC cars are designed for those who prefer more adventurous racing terrain.

They are typically equipped with a ton of power and durability, as well as massive tires. For racing RC cars in the desert, the forest, and in the mud, you want an off-roader.

Trucks

These typically take the form of monster trucks and are similarly designed for offroading. They do not work well in urban environments and are very top-heavy, meaning they will flip during high-speed turns on flat surfaces. They also make a lot of noise.

3. Batteries and Spare Parts

Most RC cars are battery powered, although gas-powered products are becoming increasingly popular. These days, you can expect to use lithium batteries to power your RC car.

When choosing batteries, remember that a higher voltage means more power, as a higher voltage will make your engine spin power. Be careful not too choose batteries that are too powerful, as this car overload and damage your RC car.

4. Electric vs Nitro

One of the main considerations when choosing an RC car is whether to opt for electric or nitro. Electric cars are powered by the store-bought batteries described above.

Nitro cars contain their own internal combustion engines that are fueled with a pre-made mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and oil.

These engines require servicing and regular maintenance. However, nitro cars offer a lot more power and are therefore more popular with serious RC racers.

Choose the Perfect Gifts This Holiday Season

If you are looking to buy an RC car as a gift for a loved one this holiday season, we hope this guide proved useful.

For more expert guides on what to buy your loved ones this Christmas, make sure to consult our expertly-curated Holiday Gift Guides. There you will find insider reviews on all of the hottest gifts of 2020.

Filed Under: Vehicle Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Make The Switch

July 1, 2019 Leave a Comment

Thinking about trading up your car for a newer model but worried about how much you’re going to end up spending? Wondering if there’s a more efficient way to get to work? Stop right there, you’ve come to the right place.

 

We’re all about saving money and finding better, more cost efficient ways of making life that bit easier financially. From reducing your grocery bill to finding children’s clothes that can endure the wear and tear of school, we’re here to help.

 

In this short blog, we’re taking a look at the idea of swapping up your car, in this case for a motorbike, and the pros and cons behind this move.

Image courtesy of Pexels

 

The Pros

 

There are two real advantages here so let’s take them one at a time. First of all, we’re talking time. The amount of time you can save with a motorbike commute is impressive, no more idling in traffic queues, getting ahead at the lights and zipping past cars means you’ll get to work quicker, you’ll have more time at home in the mornings and get home earlier in the evenings. Buying more time with your loved ones almost makes it worthwhile for this reason alone.

 

Think two about the cost savings, our second point. A bike, even a brand new one, is generally cheaper than a car to buy and cheaper to run too. Fuelling up will be a joy as you spend less time at the pump and more time on the road. As a biker you’ll spend less time idling and that will make your machine far more efficient than cars and easier on the wallet.

 

You will need to spend out initially on safety gear, including a top of the range helmet and so on, but once you’re all kitted up you’re off. 

In general your repair and servicing bills should come in slightly less and if you’re able to repair and source cheaper parts, from solomotoparts.com for example, then you could save yourself a fortune.

 

The Cons

 

Like the pros there are two real sticking points to consider when thinking of buying a bike. One is the safety aspect, quite simply you are left more vulnerable as a rider and have more chance of being seriously injured if hit by a car and knocked off your bike.

 

The other aspect is the weather. Roaring through the countryside on a beautiful spring morning is a very different case to braving the ice and rain of a cold winter or the sweltering temperatures of a long, hot summer.

 

Swapping in a bike for a car is a bold move, but it’s a good move if you’re looking to save money and time. For those medium length trips to work you might even put up with the extremes in temperature if it means you don’t have to sit stuck in a car in daily traffic queues. Trade up for a cheaper, faster and more efficient ride to work and you’ll never look back.

Filed Under: Vehicle

5 Best Aftermarket Mods for Ford Focuses

May 29, 2019 Leave a Comment

Ford Focuses have a strong history with the modifying, racing and performance communities. Working on one can be a very rewarding experience. Picking up a few online auto parts and put in some hours wrenching and you could be looking at an excellent hot hatch or performance sedan. Here are some of the best aftermarket mods for Ford Focuses.

 

  1. Spectra Premium Turbocharger Intercooler

 

If you have a Focus with a turbocharged engine, a performance intercooler can help you maximize your power. The intercooler cools air compressed by the turbo, thereby increasing the oxygen density. More oxygen means more power.

 

  1. K&N High Performance Air Intake System

 

Every engine relies on its air intake to breathe in oxygen. A K&N air intake system will help you maximize airflow into your engine. This is one of the simplest mods to perform, even for beginners.

 

  1. Duralast Motor Mount

 

Engine movement can be an issue for keeping control of your vehicle during performance driving. Replacing your motor mounts can help to minimize this. This aftermarket modification is especially useful for older vehicles.

 

  1. MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust System Kit

 

The exhaust system is how your vehicle pushes fumes out of the engine to make room for new air. Reducing the inhibition with a performance exhaust can greatly improve the flow through your engine and increase power. MagnaFlow is among the best in the business for exhausts.

 

  1. Power Stop Performance Brake Pads/Rotors Kit

 

Control is as important to performance as power. Upgrade your brakes to make it easier to go into turns at the right speed. Power Stop has several kits that can help upgrade a Ford Focus.

 

Start Wrenching

 

Give aftermarket mods a try and see what you can create from your Ford Focus. Alternatively, grab a car diagnostic tool and fix those dashboard lights. Whether you are working on maintenance or performance, there is nothing like working on your own car.

Filed Under: Vehicle Tagged With: , , ,

To the Top